Although this brand is famous for reliable home appliances, LG refrigerator problems have been a common occurrence in the past few years. The LG linear compressor failure was a major issue until it got resolved legally in 2020. The company has made improvements and overcome this setback. However, other general issues might occur in LG refrigerators. This is a guide on how to troubleshoot these problems and save your time and money. You can find important tips and information related to the most common issues in LG refrigerators. If you are not confident in solving these issues by yourself, always make sure to contact an experienced professional for technical support.
Common Refrigerator Problems
Contents
These are the most common LG refrigerator problems and methods to troubleshoot them. Go through these issues thoroughly and follow the steps closely for successful results.
1. Compressor Problems
LG uses a linear compressor as it is better than a conventional split phase compressor due to less friction and heat generation. It is more energy-efficient and quiet. However, it is not much reliable as this compressor tends to fail within a year. LG refrigerator compressor problems result in refrigerators not cooling, and users also find their refrigerators vibrating due to the compressor issues. The LG linear compressor failures have become a common issue and have resulted in a lot of discomfort among many users. This issue in compressor malfunction would have you to call a professional technician to repair the seal system, and you would have to spend a lot on this.
2. Refrigerator Not Cooling
A lot of LG refrigerator users have been disappointed by this problem as the refrigerator stops cooling at once and spoils the food stored inside. The customers have complained about this issue on various forums. So if you face any similar situation where you find the LG refrigerator not cooling, here are some of the things you can do to troubleshoot it.
Check the Compressor
This is one of the major causes of LG refrigerator not cooling. The compressor is located at the back of the fridge, and you can remove the back panel to hear the compressor running sound. If you find loud noises coming from it, then it’s high time to repair the seal system. If the compressor is running, but the compartments do not get cooled, then the fault is in the compressor and needs technical help.
Check the Condensing Coils
Condensing coils contain the coolant and circulate it inside the coils. Air flows throughout the condensing coils to remove heat. Cooling problems also occur due to dirty condensing coils, as it would cause the temperature to be inconsistent. To fix this, you first need to unplug the power and disconnect the waterline. You can find the condensing coils at the bottom, on the backside of your fridge. You can check whether the coils are dirty and clean them using a stiff brush if everything is dry.
Check the Condenser Fan Motor
The air across the condenser coils is cooled by the condenser fan. A defective fan motor could be the reason for a reduction in airflow. Before checking this, make sure to power off the refrigerator. Check the motion of the fan and remove any debris captured in the blades. Then check the fan continuity using a multimeter. If there are any issues with the fan motor windings, then you would have to go for a motor replacement. You might need professional help with this. After the installation of the new motor, the cooling process needs to be started.
Check the Evaporator Fan Motor
The evaporator fan circulates air through the cooling coils of the refrigerator. You can examine the fan, and if you see that it is spinning properly, then the refrigerator is getting air properly. If it does not spin efficiently, then it shows that there is an issue with the motor. You can check the internal windings and check the continuity with a multimeter. Depending on the fault, you might have to replace the motor under technical support.
Defective Start Relay
The start relay should perform its function well for the refrigerator to work. So if it does not operate well, the compressor would be defective. To troubleshoot this, open the back panel, and you can find the relay at the bottom part of the unit. You can check the continuity of the relay with a multimeter and replace it if necessary.
3. Issues in Ice Maker
If you find that your ice maker does not function properly, then it might be due to one of the following reasons.
- Water leaking behind the crisper trays
- The backside of the fridge getting heated
- Formation of water droplets and ice crystals at the bottom of an icemaker
- Failure in defrosting system
- Defects in the water inlet valve
- Loud noise generation in the ice maker
To fix the problem in the ice maker, you can try out the following troubleshooting ways. If your ice maker does not work even after you check all these issues, then you have to check the error codes as in the manual and fix them.
Water Inlet Valve
Water should be supplied to the dispenser unit at a flow rate of a minimum of 20 psi. If the water inlet valve fails to do so, then the refrigerator would produce water but does not make ice. You can check the power levels and current flow with a multimeter, and if you don’t find any other errors, you can increase the flow from 20 psi. If it still does not produce ice, then you might have to replace the water inlet valve.
Water Filter
Failure of the refrigerator’s water filter also affects the ice maker. As the water filter’s lifespan depends on the frequency of usage and the hardness of water, you might have to change the filter twice a year.
Ice Maker’s Power Switch
The ice maker’s switch can turn off even when the fridge is on. So, it is necessary to make sure that the ice maker has power connected to it. If the ice maker stops functioning while the power is turned on, then it would need to be rest manually or automatically. You would need to follow the instructions provided in the manual for this.
Internal Temperature
For the refrigerator to function properly, the temperature should be at -4 ˚F (-20 ˚C). If the freezer has a temperature setting higher than 19 ˚F, then the functions would be affected. So make sure to check the temperatures during a failure.
Ice Level Control Board
Some advanced refrigerators can detect the amount of ice in the ice bucket using an infrared beam. If this beam stops working due to an electrical or mechanical fault, then the unit cannot perform the ice making. Therefore, the problem would be with the control board, and the whole ice maker would have to be replaced.
Refrigerator Door
The ice maker works only when the door is properly shut. So make sure to check the latch and shut the door correctly. You can check the continuity of the latch and the circuit with a multimeter. If there is an issue, you would have to replace the door switch or the sealant.
4. LG Fridge Leaking Water
Many LG refrigerator problems have been reported due to water leakages. This might occur due to the following reasons.
Freezing of Defrost Drain
When the defrost drain is frozen, it will flow over the drain and dip to the compartment end, leaking water onto the floor. So check the drain, whether it’s frozen or clogged, and try melting it or cleaning the debris accordingly.
Tank Assembly
If you find any leaks in the tank connections, then they would have to be replaced. You can also check the water inlet valve and for any housing cracks. If there are any, then the parts would have to be replaced.
5. Loud Noise Generation
If you experience any unfamiliar loud sounds from your refrigerator, then several reasons might be the cause for this. Loud noises can occur if the doors are not properly closed or if one of the evaporator or condenser fan motor or fan blades is at fault.
Check the evaporator fan blade in the freezer behind the back panel and try rotating it by hand. If it does not rotate freely, check for any debris caught in the blades. You should also check for anything that blocks the condenser motor or fan blade in the back underside of the refrigerator. To check whether the condenser motor bearings are damaged, you would have to remove the rear access panel at the back of the refrigerator.
6. LG Refrigerator Not Defrosting
By checking the defrost heater and the defrost thermostat, you can find whether the refrigerator is defrosting or not. Any ice built up on the evaporator coils is melted as the defrost heater functions several times throughout the day. Since this frost is often accumulated from the moisture in the air, this defrosting cycle has to be done several times a day. If the ice formed is not melted due to a defective defrost heater, then the ice would build up and block the airflow. The continuity of the defrost cycles can be measured using a multimeter, and if the continuous cycles are damaged, the heater would need to be replaced.
7. Refunding Issues
Despite all the faults and troubleshooting, this is a major issue among the LG refrigerator problems. After facing many inconveniences due to technical issues, getting a refund is still a difficult process, even when you are under warranty. Users need to submit receipts and documentation for this. Even though many customers who have purchased faulty LG refrigerators have been refunded, there are many more still claiming that they haven’t received any positive response from the customer support division.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do LG refrigerators still have compressor problems?
The LG refrigerator compressor problems were mainly highlighted by users in the period from 2014 to 2019. The company was forced to face a lawsuit for producing defective compressors, and it was settled in September 2020. Even though this issue seems to have decreased, many cases are being reported, which is still a higher occurrence than normal.
How long should an LG refrigerator last?
As this brand is well-known for its durability, the LG refrigerators can last up to 20 years. Proper maintenance and taking good care of your fridge can help the longevity and create fewer issues.
There is a reset button on the fridge, and the whole appliance can be reset by pressing and holding it until the light turns off.
What temperature should I set my refrigerator at?
The refrigerator should be kept at or below 40 ˚S (4 ˚C). The freezer temperature should be at 0 ˚F (-18 ˚C).
Why does the bulb explode inside the fridge?
When the refrigerator doors are not shut properly, the bulb will not be turned off. Then as the bulb keeps on lighting, it gets heated up. So the bulb is warm on the inside and cold on the outside due to the low temperature inside the fridge. So the bulb would bust due to this temperature difference.
Why is the refrigerator using too much electricity?
The electricity bill would go up if the temperature is set at the lowest level. So the proper remedy for this is to set the temperature settings only to the appropriate levels.
Conclusion
LG is a renowned brand for both electronics and home appliances. However, sometimes there may be certain LG refrigerator problems that occur due to technical faults. The most common faults and the troubleshooting methods of these are discussed here. So you can know how to fix these problems or get the help of an experienced technician, based on the complexity of the problem. You can even save money if you can do the LG refrigerator troubleshooting by yourself.
However, if you have issues with your refrigerator and cannot be repaired, you might have to consider replacing your refrigerator with a new one. To avoid getting caught up by faulty brands, make sure to avoid the Worst Refrigerators in the market.
You can find similar content for Samsung Refrigerator Problems and Troubleshooting.
